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MEDIA ADVISORY: REP. LIEU TO PRESENT MEDALS TO UNITED STATES NAVY VETERAN

September 18, 2017

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – Tomorrow, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) will present Petty Officer Third-Class Engineman, Thomas Edwin Patton (74), with two medals he had never received for his service in the United States Navy. Mr. Patton had initially contacted Congressman Lieu’s office in hopes of obtaining one medal he knew he was eligible for. However, while working with the Department of Navy, Congressman Lieu’s office was successfully able to obtain not only one, but two medals Mr. Patton rightfully deserved. Mr. Patton’s impressive military awards and decorations will now include the National Defense Service Medal and the Antarctica Service Medal.

Congressman Lieu issued the following statement ahead of the presentation:

“It is a great honor to present not only one, but two medals to Petty Officer Patton and recognize him for his dedication and contributions to our country. When I heard about his situation, I made a direct inquiry to the United States Navy to make sure he received the awards he so rightfully deserved. I join my fellow Americans in thanking him for his great service.”

Petty Officer Thomas Patton, born in Berkley, Michigan, moved to Southern California at a young age and is a graduate of Banning High School in Wilmington, CA. He served in the United States Navy during the 1960s and was stationed on the U.S.S. Tom Bigbee in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His service includes tours of the Marshall Islands, Guam, the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, and Antarctica. He was also presented his ship in full dress to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as she sailed into Nelson, New Zealand. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Patton spent the remainder of his Navy Reserve Service in Long Beach, CA. He and his wife, Kathleen, moved to Torrance in 1977 and both of their daughters graduated from West High School in California’s 33rd district. Most recently, Mr. Patton and his wife celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.